Of Fire and Star by Audrey Coulthurst-OPTIONAL

Coulthurst, Audrey, Of Fire and Stars. Pgs. 389. HarperCollins Publishers, 2016.

Language: PG-13 (45 swears, no “f”s), Mature Content: R (on-page sex scene between two girls), Violence: PG-13

Betrothed to the prince of Mynaria, Thandy, Princess Dennaleia’s future has always been set. Her magical abilities, however, are forbidden in Mynaria.  Upon her arrival in the kingdom of Mynaria, Thandy pairs Dennaleia with his sister, Princess Amaranthine, who is to give her riding lessons in preparation for the wedding day. As Denna gets to know Mare, she gets to know why Mare's standing in her kingdom is tenuous and the two start to become friends. As a series of royal murders and terrorists attacks start to ravage the kindom and Dennaleia’s powers start to go haywire, however, the two must work to geter to solve the murders and save their kingdom.  They must also battle their feelings they’re starting to have for each other. Will the two succeed?  

This book had great character development. The plot was complex and believable. The world-building was amazing and really drew the reader into the story. The on-page sex scene towards the end of the book, however, was tangential and would’ve been better suited off-page. For this reason, this book is best suited for Grades 10 to 12 or Ages 15 to 18. 

HS. OPTIONAL. Reviewer: Jessica M, Library Media Specialist, Olympus Jr. High